Coop maintenance

[Cjthane]

Hi. About two years ago i decided to build a coop. We had contractors at our house so i asked them to clear the surface area. They convinced me that the floor surface of the run should be concrete to make ut easier to clean- but it just seems ti have complicated everything because nothing drains! Everything seems to get wet and stinky. I have covered the top of the run with plastic to stop the rain adding to it. I cover the concrete with sand. Its helped, but hasnt solved the issue. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[Caleb999]

I would suggest either adding more concrete with a slope and a drainage hole, or you could put plywood down on top of what you have. Be sure to use half inch, and have a good slope.
Good luck, and feel free to ask questions if you have any.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! I too would suggest either adding more for a slope or boarding it in so you can adding bedding to the run. Keeping it as dry as you can is the key so maybe a better roof? I have mine on concrete and find if I hose it out regularly it's not too bad. I do have a slope though so I can hose and sweep it away. I'm afraid there is no real way of keeping things totally clean all the time if you have water getting in. It's a case of doing the best you can as often as you can. Sand can be great but you may need to pick the poop out of it the best you can.

Good luck and enjoy BYC

 

[Cjthane]

Thanks!
My father in law is busy clearing our his work shed and has found a ton of transparent sheeting that I can use as a better roofing structure. When I do that I think I'm going to lift the roof a little so that I can stand up (It's JUST too low now and it kills my back)

I'm thinking of chicken proofing my veggie garden so that I can let my rooster go for a bit of a walk during the day. I think that we have a cricket nest somewhere because I'm finding masses of them everywhere - and alot of babies! Do you have any suggestions on what to plant so that he can scratch and peck a bit but not necessarily destroy everything on the first day? (I hear that roses are a good option?)

 

[N F C]

Here are a few articles from the Learning Center that may give you some ideas of "chicken proof" plants:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/plants-chickens-dont-eat
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-proof-garden
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-proof-plants

Good luck and thanks for joining us!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

It would be great if your rooster loved to eat crickets. Maybe the hens will help him out. I know they like to chase them,

 

[Cjthane]

Here's hoping! I have the structure set up for the shade cloth to go over the veggies tomorrow. And then they're coming out to play